YMCA of Greenwich Launches Chronic Disease Prevention Fundraising Campaign

The YMCA of Greenwich has launched a Chronic Disease Prevention fundraising campaign to support programs that help community members prevent, manage, and overcome chronic conditions. While the campaign aligns with Family Health Month this October, its mission is year-round: to strengthen community health and wellness through programs that improve physical fitness, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

The campaign supports signature programs including LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Parkinson’s Body & Mind, and Walk With Ease—all offered at little or no cost to participants.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week, small-group program that helps adult cancer survivors rebuild strength and confidence. Participants engage in cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises, and also have access to YMCA facilities and classes. Progress is evaluated through functional and quality-of-life assessments, helping survivors regain vitality and confidence.

Parkinson’s Body & Mind offers wellness classes and a free monthly support group for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. The program improves balance, coordination, and mobility, while fostering social connection and mental wellbeing.

Walk With Ease, developed in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, helps participants safely increase physical activity through guided walks and educational sessions. The program reduces pain, improves strength and balance, and builds confidence—and it’s free for anyone interested, whether or not they’re a YMCA member.

Participants have shared how these programs have impacted their lives. Barry Richelsoph, a participant in the Parkinson’s Body & Mind Program, said:

“As a Parkinson’s patient, I have found the special programs at the Y very helpful to my physical and mental well-being. The instructors for the classes are wonderful, balancing our needs to be pushed physically with our individual limitations. A natural camaraderie develops among the participants, which is great psychologically and socially.”

In addition to these signature programs, the YMCA offers free group exercise classes for members that help prevent and manage chronic disease, including:

• Brain Health Fitness – Combines physical training with cognitive challenges to enhance memory, balance, and agility.

• Moving for Life – A physician-supported, dance-based class that boosts energy, strengthens immunity, and eases symptoms of chronic conditions.

• Matter of Balance – Builds strength, balance, and confidence to reduce fall risk.

• Buff Bones Pilates – A Pilates-based workout that supports bone and joint health, improves posture, builds strength, and reduces fracture risk.

• Aqua Arthritis – Gentle, water-based exercise that improves flexibility, cardiovascular health, and joint comfort.

“I am continually inspired by the impact of the YMCA of Greenwich’s chronic disease programs,” said Jodi Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Membership Experience at the YMCA of Greenwich. “They do more than just improve health—they restore vitality, spark joy, and uplift not only individuals but also their caregivers and families. That ripple effect is a true measure of our success.”

Donations to the campaign directly support these programs and classes, helping ensure they remain accessible to all community members. To learn more or make a donation, visit: https://greenwichymca.org/Chronic-Disease.